Method of and apparatus for cutting metal



Sept. 20, 1949. H. w. JONES ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL 7 Sheets-Sheet l Original Filed Aug. 4, 1939 INVENTORS JAMES H. BUCKNAM HOMER W. JONES ATTORNEY Sept, 20, 1949.

H. W. JONES ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL Original Filed Aug. 4, 19 39 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS JAMES H. BUCKNAM HOMER JONES ATTORNEY H. W. JONES ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL Sept. 20 1949.

7 Shee ts-Sheet 3 Original Filed Aug. 4, 1959 INVENTORS JAMES H. BUCKNAM HOMER W. JON ES ATTORN EY Sept. 20, 1949. H. w. JONES ET AL I 2,482,188

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL 7 Original Filed Aug. 4, 1959 4 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Tis INVENTORS JAMES H. BUCKNAM HOMER W. JONES v ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1949. H. w. JONES ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL 7 SheetsSheet 5 Original Filed Aug. 4. 1939 m 5 5 RKN c m W mH w ATTORNEY Sept. 20, 1949.

H. W. JONES ET AL METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL Original Filed Aug. 4, 1939 '7 Shets-Sheet 6 INVENTORS JAMES OMER W. JONES ATTO R N EY H. BUCKNAM P 1949- H. w. JONES ET AL 2,482,188

METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL Original Filed 'Aug. 4, 1939 I '7 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTORS JAMES H. BUCKNAM HOMER W.v JONES ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 20, 1949 METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR CUTTING METAL Homer W. Jones, Westfield, and James H. Bucknam, Cranford, N. J., assignors to Union Carbide and Carbon Corporation, a corporation of New York Continuation of application Serial No. 288.366, August 4, 1939. This application July 28, 1944,

Serial No. 547,024

42 Claims. (Cl. 1489.6)

This invention relates to the art of cutting metals by means of a gas-cutting tool and particularly to a method of and an apparatus automatically or semi-automatically controlled, for rapidly and efilciently cutting elongated metal stock.

This application is a continuation of our copending application Serial No. 288,366, filed August 4. 1939, now abandoned.

In cutting elongated metal stock, for example, in removing scrap ends from billets or blooms during hot working operations, or in cutting heavy rounds or other shapes to predetermined lengths, it is a customary mill practice to cut the metal while it is hot and to employ a powerful metal shear, or a metal circular saw revolving at an extremely high rate of speed. Neither of these means of cuttin such stock is entirely satisfactory, particularly if the stock has a heavy cross section, In shearing operations, the shear blades are subject to excessive wear and must be frequently sharpened or replaced. Also, an objectionable projection or lip, especially pronounced on sheared stock of the high strength alloy steel compositions, may be formed on the severed face of the stock. Cutting by means of a highspeed circular saw is unsatisfactory in that the cutting edge of the saw requires frequent resharpening and rapidly deteriorates from exposure to heat when in contact with or in close proximity to hot stock. Further, due to the high rate of peripheral speed at which such a saw must be operated, there is always the danger that the saw will shatter.

Apparatus particularly adapted for cutting cold round bar stock including a gas-cutting blowpipe and means automatically or semi-automatically controlled to impart transverse motion to said blowpipe has been proposed heretofore. In general, such apparatus had a frame adapted to be clamped or otherwise supported directly on the stock, and mounted on or within the frame, a gas-cutting blowpipe which was guided in an arcuate motion across the stock.

Apparatus of the foregoing type does not provide a satisfactory means of cutting if the stock has a relatively large cross-sectional area, and especially if the stock is to be cut while hot. Such apparatus must be positioned on the, stock by the operator before each cut and, conse quently, while making the necessary adjustments the operator is continually subjected to the heat from the hot stock. Further difficulties in adjusting such apparatus arise when it is desired to cut stocks of different diameters or when it is desired to produce a out havin a substantially smooth, even surface.

A principal object of the present invention is to provide an improved method of thermochemically severing elongated metal stock at a rapid rate and suitable apparatus for carrying out such method. Other objects of the invention are: to provide method and apparatus for varying the angle between the successive positions of the jet, the angle variations being substantially greater during the first half of the cut and in such direction that the jet tends to sweep a long the lower portion of the kerf at a faster rate than along the the upper portion of the kerf; to provide an improved apparatus including a gascuttin tool such as a blowpipe for rapidly and efficiently transversely severing elongated metal stock which apparatus may be adjusted and controlled by .the operator at a point remote from the stock; to provide an apparatus including means for causing the gas-cutting blowpipe to traverse the stock in a smooth uninterrupted motion, and to maintain the blowpipe in a suitable relation to the surface of the stock during such motion; to provide an apparatus including means for automatically starting the cutting operation, means for automatically controlling the supply of gases to the blowpipe, means, responsive to the thickness of the stock, for automatically controlling the traverse speed of the cutting blowpipe as the cutting operation progresses, and means for automatically returnin the cutting blowpipe to its original position.

- The manner in which these and still other objects are attained by the invention will be apparent from the following description and drawings in. which:

Fig. 1 is a left-side elevational view partly in section of a preferred embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a right-Side elevational view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1;

' Fig. 3 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1 with portions broken away;

Fig. 4 is a front end view, partly in section, of the apparatus showing details of the clutch operating mechanism;.

Fig. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing the relation of the blowpipe head and work before the completion of a cut;

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary detail view of the motor-speed control mechanism of Fig. 2;

Fig. '7 is a schematic wirin diagram of the control mechanism employed in the embodiment of theinvention shown in Fig. l;

Fig. 8 is a side elevational view of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the apparatus shown in Fig. 8; and r Fig. 10 is a fragmentary detail view of the halfnut clutch employed in the embodiment of Fig. 9.

.In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a gas-cutting blowpipe is supported by a frame which extends transversely of the stock to be cut. Means which operate in automatically controlled sequence are provided to impart a transverse motion to said frame so that, during the cutting operation,;the blowpipe is caused to traverse the stock in a smooth, uninterrupted motion, the blowpipe being maintained at a substantially constant distance from the surface and at a predetermined suitable angular relation to the work. Automatic means are provided to supply the preheat gases and the oxidizing gas to the blowpipe at predetermined points in its travel and to interrupt such supply at the completion of the out. Automatic means are provided to reduce the traverse speed of the cutting blowpipe as the thickness of the stock increases during the cutting operation. At the completion of the cut, the blowpipe is automatically raised and the frame caused to retract to its original position.

Although the present invention is particularly adapted to the cut-ting. of solid elongated metal stock of round cross section, and will be described with respect to that particular application, other shapes such as bars of square and polygonal cross section as well as bars of recs tangular cross section can be cut by the apparatus or by similar apparatus constructed accord ing to the principles of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the particular embodiment of the invention shown comprises a lower frame or base B and an upper frame S movable longitudinally with respect to the base B. The base B may be fixed to the mill floor or may be provided with flanged rollers and mounted on a suitable track so that the entire is preferably interposed in the electrical control circuit. c I

The longitudinal motion of the upper frame S to a point where the blowpipe 2! is about 3" from the stock is provided by an air-operated power cylinder C, a clutch hereinafter, described is then engaged to bring the blowpipe into preheat position.- The air-operated power cylinder 7 .C is'mounted within the base B and controlled by apparatus may be quickly transported from-one location to theother.

The upper frame S comprises a large rocker arm or boom R pivotally mounted on a horizontal plate or'car'riage 20 at ap roximately the center of said plate and supported in an operating posiplate 20 will likewise be imparted to the entire upper frame S including the boom R.

The boom R supports at its forward extremity a water-cooled cutting head A comprising an oxy-acetylene cutting blowpipe 2|, a limit lever 22, and means including rollers 23 for guiding said blowpipe in its travel across the work. The cutting head A is capable of a slight lateral movement with respect to the boom R so that it is not necessary to move either the work or the entire apparatus if, for some reason, a out has been started but not completed and it is desired to start a new cut adjacent to'the previous one. The blowpipe 2| is connected to a source of pie: heating gases through a motor-operatedvalve 24 and to a source of cutting oxygen through asole noid operated valve 25. To provide a delayed flow of the cutting oxygen to the blowpipe after the combustible or preheat gases have been ignited, and to delay the forward travel of the blowpipe 2! a sufficient period to permit a surface portively. The forward travel of the blowpipe 2| over the work after a preheat to an ignition temperature has beenobtained is provided by suitable engagement of mechanism H in the base B hereinafter described, with a threaded drive shaft or screw E carried by the plate which shaft con-- tinually revolves during the operating cycle of the apparatus. The threaded drive shaft E is actuated by an electric motor F through gearing including a suitable speed reduction unit G and imparts forward motion to the plate '20 through the clutch mechanism I-I (Fig. 4) which comprises worm gears 33 and 34 and which is'actuated by airoperated cylinders J and J vertically mountedone on each side'of the base B; The flow of 7 air to the cylindersJ and J .is controlled by a solenoid operated valve 35 connected thereto by conduits 36; The speed of the motor F is autos matically regulated by speed-governing means such as a motor-control unit K hereinafter described and in such a manner that the speed of transverse movement of the blowpipe 2! over the work is, when cutting round stock, greatest at the beginning and end of the out, and least at the center of the cut.

The return movement of the upper frame S after the completion of the cut is controlled by limit switches 37, 38, and 33 (Figs. 1 and 2), and by an air-operated cylinder L which is mounted on the boom R and which raises the cutting head A a sufficient distance to clear the Work. The flow of air to the cylinder Lis controlled by a solenoid valve ill mounted on the boom R. Also mounted on or within the boom are limit switches s i and 42, an air cylinder N which con trols the slight transverse movement of the cutting head A,.and terminal panelhousing 26.

The starting and stopping push buttons, relays and contactors controlling the operation of w the several solenoid valves, and the time delay rheostat may be mounted on a control panel (not shown) adjacent to the apparatus.

The severalparts of the particular embodi ber 4-3. -Extendinglongitudinally. along the top of each ofthe side members 44 and 45 aretracks or ways 44 and 45,respectively, adapted toslidably engage the edges of the plate 20 upon which the upper frame of the apparatus is mounted. The bracket 28 is rigidly fixed to the bottom member '43 of the base B. The multiple valve 21 which controls the flow of air to the air cylinder C, through conduits 3| and 32, is mounted on a bracket 46 which is fixed to the side member 44 of the base B. Brackets 41 and 48 (Figs. 1 and 2) are secured to the side members 44 and 45 for supporting air cylinders J and J, respectively.

The clutch mechanism H which is shown in detail in Fig. 4 and which serves to impart a forward motion at suitable cutting speed to the plate 20 by the rotation of the threaded drive shaft or screw E comprises right-hand and lefthand clutch units P and P, respectively, the actions of which are simultaneous. The construction and operation of both units are the same. Accordingly, only a description of the right-hand clut unit P will be given.

The clutch unit P comprises the worm gear 34 adapted to mesh with the threaded drive shaft E and journalled on a vertical hollow shaft 59. The shaft 50 is bored axially and is rigidly fixed to a cross member 5| of the base B which is provided with an opening corresponding to the opening in the shaft 50. The upper and lower surfaces of the worm gear 34 are faced with friction plates 52. A clutch plate 53 is arranged to press down on the upper friction plate 52 and has a stem 54 which is vertically slidable in the shaft 50, extends through the opening in the cross member 5|, and is pivotally attached at its lower extremity by a link 55 to a lever 56. One arm of the lever 56 extends through the side wall 45 and is pivotally attached by a second link 5'5 to the piston rod 58 of air cylinder J. The other end of the lever 56 is fulcrumed on a projection 59 rigidly fixed to the bottom of the cross member 5!. A spring 69 is interposed between the end of the piston rod 53 and the housing of the air cylinder J. As previously mentioned, the threaded drive shaft E. is mounted on the plate 20 and moves therewith. During operation of the apparatus the threaded drive shaft E rotates continually and being constantly meshed with both Worm gears 33 and 34 causes said gears to rotate. From the drawing and description of the clutch unit H, it will be apparent that entrance of air under pressure into the cylinders J and J' will cause a downward movement of the piston rods 58 which movement will, in turn, be transmitted to the plates 53 with sufficient force to stop the rotation of the worm gears 33 and 34. Stopping the rotation of said worm gears causes them to act as a stationary nut meshing with the revolving shaft E and thus impart a forward motion to the plate 29.

The shaft E is, with the exception of journal portions adjacent to each end, threaded the entire length. Bearings BI and 62, secured to the bottom of the plate 29, support the threaded drive shaft E at each journal portion. Rotation of the drive shaft is effected through the reduction gear unit G coupled to the shaft by a coupling 63. A bracket 64 rigidly attached to and depending from the plate 29 supports the reduction gear unit G.

Also mounted on one side 45 of the base B are the limit switches 31 and 39, the solenoid valve 35 controlling the flow of air to air cylinders J and J, and a terminal box 65. The limit switches 31 and 39 are positioned so that their operating arms 66 and 61 will engage the surfaces of a cam 63 secured to the under side of the plate 20.

The upper frame S includes the hollow boom R and cutting head A slidably mounted in horizontal ways 59 and 10 on the forward extremity of boom R. The boom R is pivoted to ears H and '52 which project from the top of the plate 23, and is supported in an operating position by means of the handscrew mechanism M.

The handscrew mechanism M comprises a vertical pillar I3 threaded along a portion of its upper length and pivotally attached at its lower extremity to a clevis 14 which is secured to the plate 29. A handwheel l5 provided with a fiat upper surface 1-9 is threadedly mounted on the pillar l3 and locked in position by means of a lever-operated jam nut 71. The handwheel I5 is also provided with a hollow cylindrical portion I8 that extends upwardly from the face 19 and extends through an opening in a transverse bracket 13 secured to the side walls of the boom R. To operate the limit switch 38 as the cuttin head A is moved up, and over the bar W, the arm 89 of the switch is connected through linkage 8| to the end of a lever arm 82 secured to a fork 83 which surrounds the lower portion of bracket 19 and is pivotally attached to an ear 84 on the bracket 19. The fork 83 is provided with a pair of diametrically opposed contact shoes 85 which engage the upper surface 15 of the handwheel 15. The boom is normally supported by engagement of the bracket 19 with the face 16, the position of the boom being adjustable by changing the vertical position of the handwheel 15 with respect to the pillar '13 which will raise or lower the boom R and thus provide a suitable vertical adjustment of the cutting head A. As the boom lifts during the cutting operation the linkage 8| moves downward and operates the switch 38, and as the boom lowers to its original position with the bracket 19 contacting the top face 16 of the handwheel 15, the shoes 85 again operate the switch 38. A protractor scale 89 (Fig. 2) may be attached to the side of the boom R and a pointer 81 may be attached to the ear 12 so that vertical adjustment of the boom R with respect to stocks of different diameters may be quickly obtained.

To raise the cutting head A a sufiicient distance to clear the work and to maintain it in that position until the boom R has retracted to its original adjusted position, the piston rod 88 of the air cylinder L is pivotally attached at 89 to the plate 29 and the head end of the cylinder is pivotally secured to a lug 30 fixed to the top of the boom R. A spring 9! surrounding the piston rod 88 and contained in a housing 92 is supported on a stop 93 and serves to take up the shock of an abrupt drop of the boom R. To balance the rocker arm R, a suitable counterweight R may be placed at the rear of said rocker arm.

The cutting head A (shown in detail in Figs. 1 to 5) comprises side members 94 and 95, top and bottom members 96 and 91, respectively, and end members 98 and 99. The end member 99 is adapted to slidably engage the ways 69 and 10 on the boom R to provide lateral adjustment of the entire cutting head A. A chamber I00 for cooling water is provided in the cutting head A between the bottom member 9'! and a partition NH and extending forwardly to the end member 98.

The cutting blowpipe 2|, which may be of a standard water-cooled type, is supported in the cutting head A by a blowpipe holder I92 (Fig. 4), which is vertically slidably secured on a. member aesaias I03 provided with a slotted tongue I04 that extends through a pair of plates I05 secured one on each side of the side member 95 of the cuttin head A, and directly opposite each other, the tongue I04 being held in position by a key or wedge I 6. A handscrew I01 threadedly mounted in the blowpipe holder I02 and bearing against the top of the member I03 permits a slight vertical adjustment of the blowpipe holder I02 and the blowpipe thereon. The angular positionof the blowpipe 2 I, with respect to the work, may be adjusted by loosening the wedge I06 and turning the blowpipe holder I02 to any desired angular position.

To maintain the nozzle of the blowpipe 2| at a predetermined distance from the work and to guide the cutting head A in its travel across the work, the knurled rollers 23 are rotatably mounted on the two shafts I08 which are in turn rotatably carried in twoforks I 09 extending downwardly from'each side of the bottom member 91. Rigidly mounted on the shafts I08 are also two shields II 0 which confine the heat of the blowpipe gases during the cutting operation. In order that the shields I It will follow the position of the cuttingblowpipe jet as it moves across the work,-each plunger III. Such linkage (Fig. is the'same for both shields H9 and consists of' a crank II2 rigidly fixed to shaft I08 and pivotally attached to a connecting rod I I3 which is in turn pivotally I attached to the arm II4 of a bell crank rigidly secured to the end of a transverse shaft H5 extending through the cutting head A. The other arm H t of the bell. crank is pivotally attached tothe spring plunger III which is continually under tension provided by a spring (not shown) contained in a spring housing II'I pivotally attached atone end to the end member 99 of the cutting head A. From the above description it is apparent that the motion of head A over the peripheral surface contour of the bar W, will cause the shields IIO to also follow around the bar W, and that the shields will, at the completion of the cut and when the boom R retracts, be returned to their original position by theforce of the spring within housing I". A skid H8 provided with vertical slots which permit vertical adjustment of said skid is fastened through the slots to the front-end member 98 by studs H9- The skid protectsthe forward end of the cutting head A and helps to position the blowpipe 2i at the start of the out. A scale I and pointer I2I (Fig. 2) are fastened to the plate I05 and skid H8, respectively, and serve to determine quickly the position of the skid for different diameter stocks.

The limit lever 22 is pivotally mounted on a transverse shaft I22 at a point intermediate the extremities of said lever. The top end of said lever is pivotally attached to a rod I23 (Fig. 3) which extends along the side of the cutting head A and the boom R and which is connected to a second rod I24 through a universal joint I24 (Fig. 3). The rod I24 is slidably mounted on the side of the boom R and supports cams I25 andIZfi which actuate the limit switches M and 42, respectively, mounted on the side of the'boom R. A spring I2? surrounds the forward portion of the rod I24 between a support I28 and a collar I29 on the rod so that the rods are always urged backwardly. I

To impart a slight lateral motion to the cut-. ting head A, if for some reason it becomes necessary to start a new out rather than to attempt V shaft I08 is connected through linkage to a spring 7 to complete the one originally started or to ad-.-

just thelateral position of the cutting head, a bracket I 30. (Fig. 3) is rigidly attached to one side of the end member 99 and to the piston rod I 3i of the-air cylinder N which is mounted transversely in the boom so thatany motion of. its piston rod I3l caused by air entering the cylinder will be imparted to the bracket I30 and the cutting head A. A screw I32 threadedly mounted in the bracket I30 serves as an adjustable stop.

The control mechanism which regulates the speed of the motor F and the threaded drive shaft E, so that the blowpipe 2| is caused to traverse the bar W at a slower rate of speed as it approaches the vertical axis-of said bar and to resume its speed after the blowpipe 2| has passed the vertical axis, comprises a variable speed transmission unit K preferably of the type known as Transitorq with mechanism for actuating said unit. Such mechanism (Figs. 2 and 6) may comprise a vertical member I33 pivotally mounted at its lower extremity to a clevis I34 on the plate 2:: and hinged at its upper extremity to one end of a rod I35. The other end of the rod I35 is pivotallysecured to the head of a screw I 36which is in turnadjustably mounted ina slot I3! in a plate'I38 secured to the side of the boom and maybe securely held at any position in said plate 'by means of a handnut I39. Referring to Fig. 2, it can be seenthat as the forward end of the boom'R is raised, the vertical member I33 will be tilted back and as theboom R is lowered, the vertical member I33 will be tilted forward again. A memberv I40 provided at its lower portion with a pair of ears forming a U channel on one. side away from member I33 is also pivotally mounted at its upper end to the upper end of the vertical member I33 and depends downward along one side of said vertical member. A rod I4I, one end,

of which is pivotally mounted in the U-channel of the'member M0 is threaded'on its other end I33. A knurled handnut I43 mounted on the projecting end of the rod MI and bears against the bracket I42. A spring I 44 surrounds the rod I4I intermediate the bracket I42 and the U'-channel so that a pressure is exerted on the member I40. against the vertical member I33. An L-shaped bracket I45 has one leg pivotally fastened to 'the'side of. the member I40 intermediate its ends.- opening through which the'Transitorq rod I46 passes in'sliding'engagement. Two springs I48 surround the rod I 56 one on each side ofthe bracket I45 and act between the bracket I45 and stops I41 secured'to either end portion of the rod I 46. I The springs provide a resilient connection that will permit movement of the bracket I45 through a greater range than the rod I46. It will speed change mechanism and cause the speed ofthe transmission to increase or decrease dependent upon the position of said rod. Although a variable speed transmission has been employed,

itwill be evident that other speed-controlling means may be substituted such as, for example, a rheostat suitably connected to the'motor F and operated by the rod'l46f r Referring particularly to Fig. 5, the bar W to v be cut is shown preferably supported on a'roller conveyor or roll table T having spool-shaped roll- The other leg has an.

malaise ers I 50 carried by axles I52 journalled in supporting bearings II. The rollers I50 are preferably power driven by an electric motor I53 connected to the axle I52 through a speed-reduction gearing I54. The motor I53 is preferably on the side of the table T opposite the head A. In this figure the blowpipe head A is shown in the position assumed when the cut is nearly completed, but before the limit lever 22 has escaped the Work and before the head is raised for the return movement.

The electrical circuits and operation of the various electrical units Will be described in relation to the general operation of the apparatus which, referring to Figs. 1 to '7, is as follows:'

Assuming that the upper frame S is in its retracted position and a round bar W which it is desired to cut is suitably supported on the roll table T in front of the apparatus, the vertical position of the head A and ltlowpipe 2| in relation to the bar W is adjusted by means of the handscrew mechanism M. The operator depresses the starting push button 400, Fig. '7, which energizes a contactor coil 40I of a standard motor-starting control which may be provided with a pilot or signal light, 40I through the circuit; line L1, a pair of contacts 40Ib, and line L2. Energizing contactor coil 40I closes the circuit of the normally open pair of contacts 40Ib and completes a circuit from line L1, contacts 40Ib, motor F, to line L2. Energizing the contactor 40I also closes the circuit of a normally open pair of contacts, 40Ia which shunt the push button contacts 400 thus holding the relay coil 40I in the energized condition through the circuit from L1, contacts 40Ia, which are now closed, coil 40I to L2. The starting of motor F causes the threaded drive shaft E (Fig. 1), and the worm gears 49 (Fig. 4), which are meshed with said drive shaft, to revolve.

To start the forward motion of th plate 20 the operator next depresses the push button 402 which energizes relay 403 through the circuit; line L1, contact mm which is now closed, button 402, relay 403 to line L2. This closes normally open relay contacts 403a, 4031), 403d, and opens normally closed contacts 403a. Closing contacts 403d energizes contactor coil 404 through the circuit; line L1, contacts 403d, normally closed contacts 405a, and 401a of relays 405. and 401, respectively, contactor coil 404, to line L2. The contacts 404a close when contacto-r coil 404 is energized and complete the circuit for actuating the solenoid valve 21 to open the conduit 3I (Fig. 1), which causes air to enter the head end of the cylinder C, thus :forcing the rod 29 out and imparting a forward motion to the plate 20 and therefore to the upper frame S.

This forward motion causes the cam 68 (Fig. 2), to release the arm 01 allowing the normally open limit switch 39 to close, and continues until the limit lever 22, of head A (Fig. 1), contacts the surface of the bar W. Angular displacement of the lever 22 by contact with the bar W acting as a contact device moves the cam I26 to engage and close the normally open limit switch 42. Closing the limit switch 42 energizes relay 405 through the circuit; line, L1, closed contacts 403b, limit switch 42, normally closed contacts 401?) of relay 401, and relay 405 to line L2. Energizing relay 405 closes normally open contacts 405b, 4050, and opens normall closed contacts 405a. Opening normally closed contacts 405a de-energizes contactor coil 404 thereby de-energizing solenoid volve 21 which now closes off conduit 3| to interrupt the air supply to the head end of cylinder 'C. Simultaneously, the coil of solenoid valve 35 is energized through the circuit; line L1, closed contacts 405b, the coil of the solenoid valve 35 to line L2. The opening of the solenoid valve 35 causes air to flow into the upper portions of cylinders J and J which lowers levers 56 and thus actuates the friction-clutch mechanism H to stop the rotation of the worm gears 33 and 54. The worm gears now act as a stationary nut meshing with the threaded drive shaft E so that the revolution of the drive shaft E now continues the forward motion of the plate 20 at a regulated speed. Closing the limit switch 42 also energizes relay 405 through the circuit; line L1, closed contacts 4031), closed contacts 4050, relay 406, to line L2. Energizing relay 406 closes normally open contacts 406a, 406b, and 4060. This actuates the motoroperated valve 24 through the circuit; line L1, a fixed resistance, contacts 406a, limit switch 4I3, motor-operated valve 24, contacts 406b, to line L2, and supplies the preheating gases to the blowpipe 2|. The motor valve 24 operates two limit switches M3 and M4 (Fig. '7), provided so that the motor controlling said valve is automatically de-energized by the opening of switch M3 (by the motor of the value 24) after the preheat gases have been turned on. The oxidizing and fuel gases flow from the valve 24 through conduits I55 and I56 along the boom R to the blowpipe 2| and are ignited when they issue from the nozzle of the blowpipe. The preheating gases may be ignited by providing a pilot flame, however, when cutting hot metal the heat of the metal may be sufificient to effect ignition. The conduits may be secured by a bracket I51 to the side of the boom. It is assumed that the bar W is at a sufficient temperature to ignite the preheat gases.

The forward motion of the plate 20 continues and causes the limit lever 22 to be. further depressed which causes the cam I25 to engage and close the limit switch 4| at the instant that the blowpipe 2I reaches the starting position at the side of the bar W. Closing limit switch 4! energizes relay 401 through the circuit; line L1, closed contacts 430b, limit switch M, and relay 401, to line L2. Energizing relay 40'! opens normally closed contacts 401a, 401b, 401d, and closes normally open contacts 4010. Opening contacts 401D deenergizes the relay 405 and opens contact 4050 but this does not deenergize relay 406 because contacts 406e are held closed by relay 406. Opening contacts 401d de-energizes atime delay relay coil 4I0 which relay coil after a time delay opens contacts M2 to deenergize a second time delay relay coil 4 which after a time delay closes its normally closed contacts M5. The de-energizing of relay 405 causes the clutches P and P to disengage, stopping the slide and thus permitting a portion of the side surface of the bar W to be heated to the ignition temperature for a predetermined period before the actual cutting operation commences. At the completion of the preheat cycle the time delay means operates and the relay 408 is energized through the circuit 'line L1, closed contacts 403d, contacts Mi; of the time delay means, relay 408 to line L2, the contacts 4I 5 being closed by the operation of the relay 4I I. Energizing relay 408 closes the normally open contacts 408a, 40%. Closing contacts 408?) energizes the coil of the solenoid valve 25 controlling the cutting oxygen and causes said gas to flow to the blowpipe 2I through a conduit I58. Closing contacts 408a causes the solenoid valve coll 405 to be again energized through the circuit L1, contacts 408a, coil 405, to line L2 thus en- 11 e s n clutches P and he ox ge st am reacts thermochemically with the metalto produceakerf in its progress over the bar. 7

As the forward motion of the plate 20 continues, the cutting blowpipe zl starts to travel across the bar W, the rollers 23 climbing up the surface to raise the forward extremity of the boom R, which reaches its highest level when the blowpipe is over the center of the bar W. This vertical motion Of the boom R is arranged to actuate the speed-control unit K so that-the threaded drive shaft E now controlling the forward motion of the boom R revolves at a slower rate of speed inversely proportionate as the thickness of the bar W increases during the cutting up to the middle of the cut. When the boom R starts to move upward as it travels over the bar, the normally open limit switch 38 will be closed. Switch 31 in parallel with switch 38 has normally closed contacts, which contacts will open by disengagement of cam 68 with'switch arm 65 when the boom has moved forward to a point where the blowpipe 21 is approximately over the Vertical centerline of the bar. Upon descending thereverse slope of the bar and finishing the cut,

the limit switch 38 will be opened, thereby deenergizing relay 403 and initiatin the return of the boom to the normal retracted position. Thus the automatic retraction of the machine to the starting position is initiated by the forward and vertical motions of the boom R.

De-energizing relay 403 also de-energizes relays '403 and 403 by re-opening contacts 403!) and 403d; respectively. De-energizing relay 408 reopens normally open contacts 408a and 40%.

Opening the latter contacts ole-energizes thecoil of the solenoid valve 25-controlling the flow of cutting oxygen thereby interrupting the flow of said gas to the blowpipe 2|. De-energizingrelay 406 causes the normally closed contacts405c and 400d to reclose thereby again energizing the motor Which controls the motor-operated: valve? 24 through the circuit; line L1,,cntacts 4016c, motoroperated valve 24, limit switch: 414, and contacts 403d to line L2. the flow of preheat gas to the blowpipe 2|.

Actuating said valve interrupts y Der-V energization of the motor controlling said valve 7 is automatically accomplished by the limit switch 4| 4 which is actuated by said motor. V

De-energizing relay 403 also recloses normally closed contacts 4030 thus energizing the coil of theboom lifting solenoid valve 40 which opens so that air flows into the air clyinder L thereby raising the cutting head A to a point slightly higher than the highest point of the bar W; Simultaneously, air is released from the clutchcontr-olling air cylinders J and J due to the fact that the normally open contacts 405!) have been reopened by de-energization of relay 405, thereby. de-energizing the coil of the solenoid valve;

35. Release, of air from the cylinders J and J permits worm gears 33 and 34. to revolve. freely.

can; 6 ith witch em; 1-, O enin said w tch deeenergizes the contactor coil 415 andalsothe oil of th bo m lift g sole oid l e 0 h reby interrupting the flow of air to both air cylindersC and L. This completes the cycle of operation and lowers the cutting head A to its original startin position.

Although the operation of the apparatus has, been described with respect to the cutting of round stock, other elongated shapes may also be out. For example, by supporting a length of square bar stock on one of its corners so that an upwardly sloping face is presented to the, cutting blowpipe, forward motionof the boom will, during the cutting operation, carry the blowpipe up that face and down the adjacent face, thereby severing the bar. In cutting bar stock of polygonalcross-section such as hexagonal, the stoc may be supported on any of itsfaces.

, Another embodiment of theinvention, shown in Figs. 8 and 9, may comprise a base frame B5, and a boom R pivoted lat I99 on a carriage D which is movable longitudinally with respect to the base B". The movable carriage D is provided with four flanged rollers 200, which guide said blowpipe over the work to be cut. Means forade V justing and holding the blowpipe 203 preferably includes a blowpipe holder 234 having arcuate ways that slidably engage the upper and lower arcuate edges of a torch slide 205, and which is held in the desired adjusted position by means of a clamp 206. A skid or a'roller 201 may be provided to guide the blowpipej The roller 20'! is carried at the lower end of a downwardly and forwardly projecting leg 208 secured to the end of the boom. The opposite end of-the boom R is provided-with a counterweight 209 s v Motion maybe imparted-to the carriage D b means of 7 a threaded drive shaft E rotatably mounted in bearings 2l0 secured to thebase B between the tracks 2! and 202 and actuated through a suitable gear mechanism Y including a speed-reduction gear 2H, by a motor U2. The threaded. drive shaft E engagesa half-nut clutch 2|3 mounted on the end of and actuated by a lever 2l4 pivotally secured on the carriage D.

, the carriageD and adapted-toengage a rack 246 At the same time that the solenoid valve 35 is .de- 7 energized, air is caused to enter the rod: end of the air cylinder C through the conduit 32 thereby;

causing the upper frame S to retract. Entrance of air into cylinder C is caused by energiz'a'tion, of a contactor coil 4| 5 whichcloses the contacts 415a and energizes the coil of the solenoid-Valve 21.

The circuit to energize the contactor coil 415. is:

line L1, limit switch 39;, which is closed when, the V boom R is in its forward position, closed contacts 403e, contactorv coil 4 I 5 line Lzl The plate 20 and the boom R retract untiLthe limitswitch. 391 opened. by engagement ofthe secured to the upper edge of the track 202. The

pinion 2l5is rotated by a handwheel 21-! secured pause topermit a small portion of the side of the billet to become preheatedto ignitiontemperature, the valve controlling the cutting oxygen is opened and at thesametime, motion is-imparted tov the carriage D causing the blowpipe 203 to traverse the work. At the completionofthe cut, the blowpipelmay be returned to itsoriginal position by retracting the carriageDl The work to be out may be supported on a suitable extension of the base B or it may be supported independently such as by a roller table arrangement T described in connection with Fig. 5.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 8 to 10, the speed of traverse may be uniform. the speed selected being that which is adapted to cut through the thickest portion of the work. In all embodiments, and particularly that illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6, inclusive, the length of the boom between the blowpipe and the boom pivot is sufficient so that th angular rocking of blowpipe during cutting is not excessive when cutting stock of similar width and thickness such as rounds. This dimension and the height of the work axis above the boom pivot level are so selected that the blowpipe axis rocks through a desired angular motion during the cut, that is, during the first half of the cutthe angle change is such that the lower part of the stream tends to be moved faster than the upper part and during th latter part of the .cut the reverse occurs. This is beneficial because the early part of the kerf is through thinner material and the angle change causes the jet to sweep into the -3 thicker portions more quickly During cutting of the thick part, a cutting lag accumulates and during the last part of the cut the blowpipe movement is slower and the angle change is relatively small so that the accumulated lag is accommodated by slowing the traverse of the lower part of the jet. With a given size nozzle and oxygen consumption rate, a quicker out can be accom plished by this method as compared to the prior art method whereby the torch is maintained constantly parallel to its successive positions during the cut.

The invention is not limited to the exact details disclosed and itwill be seen that certain features of the invention may be used independently'of others and changes may be made in various-features of the apparatus without departing from the essentials of the invention.

We claim: 1 I

1. In a, machine for cutting elongated metal stock of substantially regular cross section, the combination of a gas-cutting blowpipe; means, including a member extending transversely to said stock, for supporting said blowpipe in an operating position at one end thereof, said blowpipe being held at a substantially fixed angular relation to said member during a cutting operation, means including a movable carriage pivotally secured to said member at a distance from said blowpipe greater than the length of cutting stroke thereof for imparting transverse motion to said member.

with respect to said stock; said pivotal connection providing movement of said member about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said stock during said transverse motion; and a stock rider carried by the end portion of said member adjacent said blowpipe for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from said stock during such motion being cammed .by the regular cross section of the stock to swing said member about said pivotal connection.

2. Machine for cutting elongated metal stock comprising in combination a base adapted to be mounted at one side of said stock; a carriage movable longitudinally with respect to said base for transverse movement with respect to said adapted to extend over said stock for movement about an axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of said stock; a support secured to said extending portion of said boom for supporting a gas-cutting blowpipe; means for supporting said boom in an operating position with respect to said stock; power-actuated mechanism for imparting'a longitudinal motion to said carriage; and a stock rider for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from said stock during the forward motion of said blowpipe.

3. Machine for cutting elongated metal stock comprising in combination a base; a carriage movably mounted on said base for transverse movement with respect to said stock; a member mounted on said carriage and having a portion adapted to extend therefrom over said stock; a gas cutting blowpipe carried by said extending portion of said member, stock engaging means for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from said stock; means including a drive for imparting motion to said carriage; and automatic means actuated by said stock engaging means and responsive to the thickness of the stock for controlling the rate of movement of said carriage.

4. Machine for cutting elongated metal stock comprising in combination a cutting blowpipe; means including a, plurality of valves for controlling the fiow of gases to said blowpipe; means for actuating said valves in predetermined sequence; mechanism for supporting said blowpipe for movement transversely to said stock for a cutting stroke to form a kerf therethrough, means for imparting transverse motion to said blowpipe mechanism for movement toward said stock into operative position with respect to said stock, and means responsive to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into said operative position for starting said means for actuating said valves in predetermined sequence.

5. In a machine for thermochemically cutting elongated metal stock, the combination of a cutting blowpipe; a carriage laterally movable with respect to said stock; an arm pivotally connected to said carriage for movement about an axis substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of said stock, said arm extending transversely of said stock and having an end portion adapted to move over said stock; means for securing said blowpipe to said end portion of the arm; and means for maintaining said blowpipe at a substantially constant distance above the surface of said stock during the cutting operation, the axis of the pivot connection of said arm to said carriage being below the level of the longitudinal axis of said stock, and the distance between said pivot connection and said blowpipe being such that the blowpipe is caused to assume successively different angular positions.

6. A machine for thermochemicall severing elongated metal stock, comprising in combination, a blowpipe, mechanism for supportingsaid blowpipe for movement transversely to said stock for a cutting stroke to form a kerf therethrough, a power-actuated driving device for propelling said blowpipe mechanism toward said stock into operative position and away from said stock into inoperative position, and a control device responsiVe to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into operative position for cutting off the supply of power to said blowpipe mechanism propelling device.

7. A machine for thermochemically severing elongated metal stock, comprising in combination,

a blowpipe power-actuated mechanism for pro' p'ellingsaid :blowpipe transversely to said stock for a cutting stroke to form a kerf therethrough, a support for supporting said blowpipe mechanism for movement toward said stock into operative position and away from said stock into inoperative position, and a control device responsive to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into operative l6 and-for actuating said means for starting the cutting operation movement.

12. Method of cutting sections of bar stock which comprises heating'at least a portion of said stock to ignition temperature; directing a jet of oxidizing gas from a nozzle against. said heated portion of said stock to form a kerf there!- position :for turning on the supply of power to and away from said stock into inoperative position, and a control device responsive to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into operative positionfor controlling the operation of said valves to open said pre-heat gas valve for a time delay Period and thereafter open said cutting oxygen valve.

9. A machine for thermochemicall severing elongated metal stock, comprising in combine. tion, a blowpipe, mechanism for supporting said blowpipe for movement transversely to said stock for a cutting stroke to form a ,kerf there-through, a frame and relatively movable parts thereon for supporting said blowpipe mechanism "for move ment toward said stock into operative position-and away from said stock into inoperative position, power-actuated driving devices for propelling said through; moving said jet completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; and duning such transverse movement varying the angle between the successive positions of the axis of said jet and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate by swinging said nozzle about a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and :spaced from thenozzle tip a greater distance than the length of the cutting stroke while moving said pivotal axis in the direction of cutting, said angle variation be ing substantially greater during the first half of the out and in such direction that the jet tends to sweep along the iower portion of the kerr at a faster rate than along the upper portion of the kerf.

13. Method of cutting sections of bar stock which comprises heating at least a portion of said stock to ignition temperature; directing a jet of oxidizing gas from a nozzle against said heated-portion of said stock to form a ker-f therethrough; moving said jet completely across said stock and in a, plane transverse theretoby swing.

ing said nozzle about a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis oi-the stock and Y spaced from the nozzle tip a greater distancetha-n blowpipe and said mechanism for said movement,

and a control device responsive to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into said operative position for cutting off the supply of power to said driving I device for stopping said movement toward the stock and turning on the supply of power to the driving device for starting the cutting stroke.

10. In a machine for thermochemically cutting elongated metal stock the combination of .a cutting blowpipe; a carriage laterally movable with respect to said stock; means .on said carriage for supporting said blowpipe; means for maintaining said blowpipe at a substantially constant distance above the surface of said stock duringlthe cutting operation; mechanism including .a device engageable with the surface of said metal stock, constructed and arranged. for controlling the lateral movement of said carriage to stop advancement of said blowpipe toward the stock when the blow pipe reaches the initial operating position, and to initiate the movement of the blovvpipe across the stock at cutting speed.

11. A machine for thermochemically cutting elongated metal stock comprising acutting blowpipe; a base having horizontal ways disposed transversely to the length of said stock; a carriage movable along said ways; a blowpipe head, means for mounting said blowpipe head .on-said carriage, means for maintaining said .blowpipe at a substantially constant distance from the surface of said stock during the cutting operatiom means for rapidly moving said carriage to quickly advance said blowpipe head toward said stock; means operable to advance said blowpipe at a controlled rate durin the cutting operation; and mechanism having a portion engag n the surface of said stock for stopping said rapid advance,

the length of the cutting stroke while moving said pivotal axis in the direction of cutting; and during such transverse movement varying the speed of movement of the jet such that the last portion of the kerf is traversed at a substantiall slower speed than the fir t por ion of the K ri whereby the efiect of accumulated cutting lag is accommodated.

lei, Method of cuttin sections of bar stock which comprises heating at least a porticncisaid stock to ignition temperature; directing a'iet of oxidizing gas from a nozzle against said heated portion of said stock to tom-1 a lie-rt there ic-trough; moving said .iet completely across said s ock and in a plane transverse thereto; and during such transverse movement varying the angle between the successive positions of the axis of said jet and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate by swinging said nozzle about ,a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced'from the nozzle tip a greater distance than the length of the cutting stroke I While moving said pivotal axis in the direction of cutting, said angle variation being substantially greater during the cutting of the first half or the kerfand in such direction that the emergent portion of the jet tends to sweep alonfg'the lower portion of the 'ker-f'at a faster rate than the entrant portion of said jet sweeps along the upper portion of the inert; and varying the speed of transverse movement of the {iet such that the last- :nurtion of the kerf is "traversed at a substanslower speedithan the 'first portion of the kerf whereby the ellect of accumulated cutting lag accommodated.

15- Method of cutting sections oi bar stock of .such-cross-section that theJthiCkineSS to he penetrated'is less at the beginning and at the end of the out than at the intermedime portion of the out, which comprises heating 13$ least a portion of said stock to iienition temperature; directing a Jet of oxidizing gas from a nozzle against means 17 heated portion of said stock to form a kerf therethrough; moving said jet completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; during such transverse movement varying the angle between the successive positions of the axis of jet and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate by swinging said nozzle about a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced from the nozzle tip a greater distance than the length of the cutting stroke while moving said pivotal axis in the rection of cutting, said angle variation being sub stantially greater during the cutting of the first half of the kerf and in such direction that the jet tends to sweep along the lower portion of the kerf at a faster rate than along the upper portion of the kerf; and varying the speed of transverse movement of said jet by varying th speed of said pivotal axis along said line substantially in inverse proportion to the depth of the kerf stock; means, including a member secured to said e carriage for supporting said blowpipe; means for propelling said.- carriage; means for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from the surface of said stock during the cutting operation; and automatic means operable by vertical movement of said blowpipe for varying the rate of transverse and vertical motion of said blowpipe during the operating cycle of said machine.

17. In a machine for cutting elongated metal stock, the combination of a gas-cutting blowpipe; a carriage movable laterally with respect to said stock; a member secured to said carriage for supporting said blowpipe; power-actuated mechanism for propelling said carriage; a stock rider for maintaining said blo-wpipe at a predetermined distance from the surface of said stock during the cutting operation; and a control device operable by downward movement of said member after movement of said blowpipe for a predetermined distance across said stock for automatically reversing the direction of travel of said carriage at the completion of the cut.

18. In a machine for cutting elongated metal stock, the combination of a gas-cutting blowi e; a carriage movable laterally with res ect to said stock; means, including a member se'-' cured to said carriage for supporting said blowpipe; means for propelling said carriage and including means operable by movement of said blowpipe for automatically varying the rate of movement of said carriage inversely with respect to the thickness of the stock being cut; and means for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from said stock.

19. In a machine for cutting elongated metal stock, the combination of a gas-cutting blowpipe; a carriage movable laterally with respect to said stock; means, including a member adjustably secured to said carriage for supporting said blowpipe, said blowpipe being positioned adjacent one end of said member and in an operating position with respect to-a surface of said stock; means for propelling said carriage, said propelling means including fluid-operated means for rapidly moving said carriage to advance said blowpipe toward said stock and into position for initiating the cut, motor-operated means for continuing the advance at a relatively slower regulated speed until the cut is completed, and means for causing said fluid-operated means to retract said carriage 18 at a relatively high speed and return the blowpipe to its original position; and means for maintaining said blowpipe at a predetermined distance from said stock.

26. In a machine for thermochemically cutting elongated metal stock the combination of a cutting blowpipe; a carriage laterally movable with respect to said stock; means on said carriage for supporting said blowpipe; a stationary base having ways for movably supporting said carriage; a motor-driven rotatable feed screw jour'naled on said carriage and extending transversely of said metal stock; means on said base and cooperating with said feed screw operable to control the movement of said carriage responsive to the rotation i said feed screw; mechanism for regulating the rate of rotation of said feed screw comprising a rockable arm pivotally connected to said carriage; a device adapted to engage the surface of the stock and responsive to the thickness thereof for controlling the speed of said motor and the rate of rotation of said feed screw; and means connecting said rockable arm to said speed-controlling device.

21. In a machine for cutting elongated metal stock, the combination of a gas-cutting blowpipe; a carriage movable laterally with respect to said stock; means for holding said blovvpipe on said carriage in an operating position for movement across said stock; means for propelling said carriage in either direction transversely of said stock; work contacting means associated with said blowpipe holding means for engagement with said stock, said contacting means being arranged for progressive displacement with respect to said blowpipe during movement of said blowpipe across said stock; and means operable by said contacting means for automatically adjusting the rate of travel of said carriage. v

22. Apparatus for thermochemically cutting metal stock, comprising ways disposed transversely with respect to said stock; a motor-driven carriage movable along said ways at a predetermined speed; an arm rockably supported on said carriage, said arm having a portion adapted to be positioned over a surface of said stock and being angularly displaceable in a plane transverse to said stock; a cutting blowpipe carried by said arm in an operating position with respect to said surface; means associated with said blowpipe for adjusting the position of said arm to maintain the blowpipe at a substantially constant distance from said surface during the cutting operation; automatic means for stopping and starting the movement of said carriage along said ways; and means on said arm for operating said stopping and starting means at a desired position in the course of movement of said carriage and said blowpipe with respect to said stock.

23. Apparatus; for thermochemically cutting metal stock, comprising ways disposed transversely with respect to said stock; a motor-driven carriage movable along said ways; adjustable means associated with said motor for regulating the speed of movement of said carriage; a boom rockably supported on said carriage, said boom having an arm portion extending toward said stock, said arm being angularly displaceable in a plane transverse to said stock; a cutting blowpipe carried by said arm in an operating position with respect to a surface of said stock; means associated with said blowpipe for adjusting the posi tion of said arm and maintaining the blowpipe at a substantially constant distance from said 75 surface during the cutting operation; and mechanism connected between said boom and said carriage for adjusting said speed-regulating means to vary the speed of said carriage according to the angular position of said arm portion of the boom.

24. Apparatus for cutting metal stock accord ing to claim 23 in which said speed adjusting mechanism comprises lever means pivoted on said carriage, said lever having a portion operatively connected to said speed-regulating means; and adjustable means acting between said lever and said boom for adjusting the amount of movement of said lever means according to a given angular displacement of said boom whereby a desired degree of response of said speed-regulating means may be selected.

25. Apparatus for cutting sections of bar stock which comprises a source of heat for heating at least a portion of said stock to ignition temperature; a nozzle for directing a jet of oxidizing gas against said heated portion of said stock to form a kerf therethrough; said nozzle being mounted on a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced from the nozzle tip to a distance greater than the length of the cutting stroke, a power device for moving said nozzle and its pivot completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; and mechanism connected to said nozzle for varying, during such movement, the angle between the successive positions of the axis of the jet outlet of said nozzle and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate, said angle variation being substantially greater during the first half of the cut and in such direction that the jet tends to sweep along the lower portion of the kerf at a faster rate than along the upper portion of the kerf.

26. Apparatus for cutting sections of bar stock which comprises a source of heat for heating at least a portion of said stock to ignition temperature; a nozzle for directing a jet of oxidizing gas against said heated portion of said stock to form a kerf therethrough; a power device for moving said nozzle completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; and linkage connected to said nozzle for varying, during such movement including a pivot spaced from the nozzle tip a distance greater than the length of the cutting stroke and about which the nozzle swings and which pivot is moved by said power device, the speed of movement of the nozzle such that the last formed portion of the kerf cut by said jet is traversed at a substantially slower speed than the substantially inversel proportional speed of the first formed portion of the kerf whereby the ef-: fect of accumulated lag is accommodated.

27. Apparatus for cutting sections of bar stock which comprises means for heating at least a portion of said stock to ignition temperature; a nozzle for directing a jet of oxidizing gas against said heated portion of said stock to form a kerf therethrough; said nozzle being mounted on a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitu dinal axis of the stock; a power device for moving said nozzle completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; and connections between said nozzle, and said power device includ-, ing a pivot spaced from the nozzle tip a distance greater than the length of the cutting stroke and, about which the nozzle swings and which pivot is moved by said power device for varying, duringv such movement, the angle between the successive positions of the axis of the jet outlet of said nozzle and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate, said angle variation being substantially greater during the cutting of the first half of the kerf and in such direction that the emergent portion of the jet tends to sweep along the lower portion of the kerf at a faster rate than the en trant portion of said jet sweeps along the upper portion of the kerf; and said connections serving for varying the speed of movement of the nozzle such that the last formed portion of the kerf is traversed at a substantially slower speed thanthe first formed portionof the kerf whereby the effect of accumulated cutting lag is accommodated 28. Apparatus for cutting sections of bar stock which comprises a source of heat for heating at least a portion of said stool: to ignition tempera-,

ture; a nozzle for directing a jet of oxidizing gas against said heated portion of said stock to form a kerf therethrough; a power device for'moving said nozzle completely across said stock and in a plane transverse thereto; and connections between said nozzle and said power device for varying, during such movement, the angle between the successive positions of the axis of the jet outlet of said nozzle and the initial position of said axis at a variable rate, said angle variation being substantially greater during the cutting of the first half of the kerf and in such direction that the jet tends to sweep along the lower portion of the kerf at a faster rate than along the upper portion of the kerf; and a speed control for said power device for varying the speed of transverse movement of said jet substantially in inverse proportion to the depth of the kerf being cut.

29. A machine for cutting elongated metal stock comprising in combination a, track extending transversely to said stock, a carriage movable along said track, a blowpipe, mechanism on said carriage for supporting said blowpipe, an abutment on said carriage, a power device for moving said carriage toward said stock to bring said abutment into engagement with the side of said stock and to position said blowpipe to start a cut, and a power device on said carriage for causing said blowpipe supporting mechanism to move'beyond said starting position and'along a projected line of cut. 7

30. A machine for supporting and. propelling a blowpipe across an elongated metal body, which comprises the combination of a base adapted to be mounted adjacent one side of said body, a boom extending transversely of said body, means for mounting said boom ,on said base for'movement toward and away from saidbody, blowpipe mechanism on said boom for supporting the blowpipe for movement across said body, all of the parts being so arranged that said blowpipe mechanism may be moved downwardly toward said stock into operative position and upwardly away from said stock into inoperative position, power actuated means for driving said blowpipe across the metal body, and power actuated means for returning said blowpipe into inoperative position at a faster rate than the forward stroke of the blowpipe. V

31. A machine for supporting and propelling a blowpipe across an elongated metal body, which comprises the combination of a base adapted to be mounted adjacent one side of said body, a boom extending upwardly from said base and transversely of said body, means for mounting said boom on said base for movement toward and away from said body, power actuated means for driving said boom to cause said movement, blowpipe mechanism on said boom'for supporting the blowpipe for movement across said body, all of the parts being so arranged that said blowpipe towaid and away from said body, blowpipe mechanism on said boom for supporting the blowpipe for movement across said body, 111 of the parts being so arranged that said blowpipe mechanism may be moved downwardly toward said stock into operative position and upwardly away from said stock into inoperative position, power actuated means for so moving said blowpipe mechanism, power actuated. means for driving said blowpipe mechanism for the forward stroke of the blowpipe across the metal body, and power. actuated means for rapidly retracting said blowpipe into inoperative position at a faster rate than said forward stroke thereof.

33. A machine for supporting and propelling a blowpipe relative to an elongated metal body,

which comprises the combination of a base adapted to be mounted adjacent one side of said body, a track mounted on said base extending transversely with respect to said body; a carriage mounted on said track for movement toward and away from said body, blowpipe mechanism mounted on said carriage for swimporting the blowpipe for movement relative to said body for an operative stroke, an abutment on said carriage,

all of said parts being so arranged that said carridge can :be moved along said track to move said blowpipe mechanism forwardl until said abutment engages said body to locate said blowp pe mechanism in operative position adjacent said body and rearwardly into inoperative posithan spaced away from said body, and said blowpipe mechanism may be operated to move the Mo Wpi-pe relative to said body when said blowpipe mechanism is in said operative position.

34. .A machine for supporting and propelling a ,belowptpe relative to a metal body, which comprises the combination of a baseadapted to .be mounted adjacent one side of said body, a track mounted on said base extending in .a substantially horizontal plane below the upper surface of said body, a carriage mounted on said track for movement toward and away from said body, blowpipe mechanism mounted on said carriage for supporting the blowpipe for movement transversely ofsaid body, power actuated means for driving said carriage and said blowpipe mechanism, a surface rider associated with said blowpipe mechanism and said carriage adapted to engage said body whereby said blowpipe is maintained in spaced relation to said body during such transverse movement of the blowpipe, and a power device for moving said carriage, blowpipe mechanism and blowpipe into a non-operating position at a faster rate than the forward stroke of the blowpipe.

35. A method of thermochemically severing rectangular stock by a jet of oxidizing gas moved transversely across the surface of said stock, the portions of said surface against which said jet is applied being at ignition temperature, such method including the steps of first directing said jet to contact a corner of said stock to start the cut, then sweeping said jet in a transverse plane across said surface at a rate sufilcient to produce a substantial cutting lag, and during a portion of said movement, controlling the angle of incline; tion between the-axis of said jet and said surface to provide a downward and forward inclination or the entrant portion of said jet by swinging said jet about a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced from the entrant portion of said jet a greater .distance than the length of the cutting stroke while moving said pivotal axis in the direction of cutting, the rate of transverse movement being correlated with said downward and forward inclinati'oii of the entrant portion of said jet to compensate for said cutting lag and effect complete severance of the stock when said jet reaches the finishing enact the 36. A "machine for thermochemically severing elongated metal stock comprising in combination, a blowpipe, a valve for controlling the supply of one of "the gases to said blowpipe, mechanism for supporting said blowpipe for movement transversely to said stock for a cutting stroke to forms. ker'f there-through; means for supporting said blowpipe mechanism for movement toward said into operative position and away from said stock into inoperative position, and means responsive' to arrival of said blowpipe mechanism into said operative position for controlling the operation of said valve.

37. A machine for thermocnemica-lly severing elongated metal stock comprising in combination, a blo'wpipe, a valve for controlling the supply of one of ithe gases to' said blow-pipe, mechanism for supporting said blowpipe for movement :transto' said stock for a cutting stroke to form "a *kerf flier-ethrougli, means forsupporting said swamps mechanism for movement toward said stock into operative position and away from said stock into inoperative position, and means on :g'ageable with said stock when said mechanism moves into operative position. tor controlling the operation of said valve;

38. Apparatus for thermocheinically severing rectangular stock by a jet of oxidizing :gas' moved transversely across the surface of said stock, the of said suriace against which said jet is applied :being .at ignition temperature, such apparatus including anozzle for directing said jet to contactvacorner of said stock to start the out. a; mice ,f rv propelling said nozzle for sweeping jet in a transverse plane across said surface at a rate sufficient to produce a substancntting lag,- aind connections to said nozzle inludinga pivot spaced from thenozzle tip a distancegreater than the length ofthe cutting stroke and about which the nozzle swings and pivot is moved by said power device and operating during a portion of said movement for controlling the angle of inclination between the axis of said jet and said surface to provide a downward and forward inclination of the entrant portion of said jet, the rate of movement being correlated with said downward and forward inclination of the entrant portion of the jet to compensate for such cutting lag and effect complete severance of the stock when said jet reaches the finishing end of the cut.

39. A machine for thermochemically severing bar stock by moving a blowpipe in a plane transverse to the neutral axis of said stock, which comprises means for advancing said blowpipe along a substantially horizontal line in said plane from a position away from said stock toward said stock into starting position, means actuated by arrival of said blowpipe at said starting position for turning on a supply of gas to said blowpipe for preheating saidzstock and starting, a cut therein;

cent said stock, means for interrupting said rapid advance of said blowpipe at starting position to permit preheating of said stock and starting of a icuttherein' by said blowpipe, means actuated by said interrupting means for turning on a supply :of gas to said blowpipe when said blowpipe is in starting position, and means, for furthenadvancing said blowpipe in said plane at cutting speed .along a line of cut in said stock.

, 41. Method of thermochemically severing bar :stock'by moving a blowpipe in a plane transverse 'to the neutral axis of said stock, which comprises advancing said blowpipe along a substantially horizontal line in saidplane from a position away from said stock toward said stock into starting position, turning on a supply of gas to said blow- :pipe in response to arrival thereof at said starting position for preheatingsaid stock and starting a cut therein, further advancing said blowpipe in said plane at cutting speed along a line of cut in said stock by swinging said blowpipe about a pivotal axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced from the nozzle tip 'a' distance greater than the length'of the cutting stroke while moving said pivotal axis in the, direction of cutting, and maintaining said blowpipe spaced from said stockjat all times during said further advancing movements.

42. Method of thermochemically severing polygonal bar stock by. moving a blowpipe in a plane transverse to :the longitudinal axis of the stock, which comprises advancing said; blowpipe along .a substantially horizontal: line in said plane from a position away from said stock toward said stock in'to starting position, turning on a supply of cutting oxygen to said blowpipe in response toarrival thereof at said starting'position, directing the jet of cutting oxygen to contact a corner of said stock to start the out, then sweeping said jet in said plane across saidstock and duringsuch transverse movement varying --the angle between the'successive positions ofthe; axis of said jjetandtne initial position of said axis by swing- .ing said blowpipe about a'pivotar axis substantially parallel -to the longitudinal axis of the stock and spaced from the nozzle tip of said blowpipe a distance greater than the length of the cutting stroke whilemoving saidpivotal axis in the direction of cutting at a rate to producev a'substantial cutting lag, and during the latter portion of said movement, controlling the angle of inclination between the axis ofsaid jet and the surface of the stock to provide a downward and forward inclination of the entrant portion ofnthe jet, the rate of transverse movement being correlated with said downward and forward inclination of the entrant portion of said jet to compen sate for said cutting lag and efie'ct complete severance of the stock when said jet reaches the finishing end of the out. 7 9

V HOMER W. JONES. o

JAMES H. BUCKNAM.

REFERENCES orrEn The following references are of record in the Number Name Date 857,247 Menne June 18,1907 1,096,095 Bucknam Y May 12, 1914 1,345,242 Reynolds June 29, 1920 1,352,381 Reynolds Sept. 7, 1920 1,494,747 Jenkins May 20, 1924 1,520,494 Drake Dec. 23, 1924 1,546,128 I-Iaines 1 July 14, 1925 1,585,893 Coberly May 25, 19 6 1,658,811 Martini Feb. 14, 1928 1,687,001 Bishop -1 Oct. 9, 1928 1,691,007 Crowe etal. Nov. 6,1928 1,694,567 Stine 1 Dec. 11, 1928 1,729,207 Coberly Sept. 24, 1929 1,746,594 Jacobson Feb. 11, 1930 2,102,040 Slade Dec. 14, 1937 2,143,969 Biggert 1 "Jan. 17, 1939 2,177,276 Bucknam- Oct. 24, 939 2,182,120 Graham Dec; 5, 1939 2,184,562' Rockefeller Dec. 26, 1939 2,189,460 Derhammer Febfi6, 1940 2,347,245 Anderson Apr. 25, 1944 2,347,804 7 Anderson May 2, 1944 FOREIGN PATENTS v Number Country Date Germany Dec. 1, 1930 OTHER REFERENCES 7 Welding Encyclopedia, 8th ed., pages 308 and 

